‘Draft masterplan’ for Wrexham Gateway could be public in weeks – plan aims to regenerate Kop land & station area

The public could finally see the regeneration proposals around the Mold Road area of Wrexham within weeks, if agreement from partners is forthcoming.

Speaking to Council Leader Mark Pritchard and Council Chief Exec Ian Bancroft this morning they gave us quick update to the gateway project that was described as one of the ‘biggest projects we will do in Wrexham for a long time’.

Mr Bancroft explained a steering group was working on a ‘masterplanning exercise’, “We are due to get a draft masterplan by the end of this month. What it needs is the four key partners, which are us, Welsh Government, the University and of course the Football Club all to agree in principle the direction of the masterplan.”

“Then we will come out for engagement and consultation on that.”

“We won’t support a masterplan that all will not sign up to, because it is critical we have all the partners in agreement on what the direction of travel is.”

Cllr Pritchard added, “It is so important that we get it right and work in true partnership, to make sure what we all want we achieve.

“It is a very ambitious project, and probably one of the biggest projects we will do in Wrexham for a long time. It needs to be right.

“There has been a lot of work done building up to this moment.”

As and when the masterplan draft is finalised and agreed it is expected the content of the documents will then become public.

In December 2018, a feasibility study was commissioned to examine all the development opportunities for the Mold Road corridor, which specifically noted in the specification: “…to maximise development opportunities along the Mold Road corridor (within the area of Wrexham General Station and Wrexham Racecourse Football Ground), on one of the principal routes into the town centre.”

Previously Wrexham’s AM Lesley Griffiths referred to the feasibility study that was hoped to be published last month, with the much talked about ‘Kop land’ being secured for the wider good rather than a private developer.

Previously a spokesperson for Wrexham Glyndwr University has told Wrexham.com : “The University continues to work as an integral part of the Wrexham Gateway Partnership alongside the Welsh Government and Wrexham County Borough Council.

“We are totally committed to regenerating the area around Wrexham General Station, including the land behind the Kop which is owned by the university.

“We have all been working to develop an integrated feasibility study and masterplan. This will enhance and integrate transport links in and around the station and open up new and exciting opportunities for jobs and commercial growth for Wrexham and North Wales.

“As a valued and important stakeholder, Wrexham AFC continue to be consulted about potential options as they emerge – as do all other parties.

“Final proposals for the site have not yet emerged and all options are being considered.”